BINTULU, 12 May 2025 – A late-night fire reduced a 12-door longhouse known as Charlie’s House in Kampung Serak, Jalan Ulu Sebauh, to ashes, leaving 89 villagers homeless and causing minor injuries to an elderly resident.
The incident occurred at approximately 10.40pm, with the Sarawak Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM) receiving an emergency alert. A team from the Bintulu Fire and Rescue Station (BBP) was quickly dispatched to the scene, located around 45 kilometres from the station.
According to a JBPM spokesperson, when firefighters arrived, the wooden structure – measuring 400 by 200 square feet – was already fully engulfed in flames. Access to the site was made more difficult as the longhouse was located across a river. Emergency crews had to use boats to reach the affected area.
“The entire structure was 100% destroyed by the time our team arrived. Extinguishing efforts were carried out using two 200-foot hose lines connected to fire hydrants, and one hose line drawing from an open water source,” the spokesperson said.
A 65-year-old woman suffered minor injuries to her face and was immediately treated by the Emergency Medical Rescue Services (EMRS) team on-site. She was later taken to the hospital by her family.
Thankfully, no fatalities were reported. However, the blaze left nearly 90 residents of the traditional longhouse without shelter. They are currently being assisted by local authorities and community support groups.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the full extent of the damages has yet to be determined.
This tragedy highlights the ongoing risks faced by longhouse communities, especially those in remote areas where emergency access can be delayed.
